Marcia Ann Forsberg, a 60-year-old resident of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, was last seen in February 2010. For six months, her husband, Richard Forsberg, offered varied explanations for her absence to neighbors, including that she had allergies and was staying indoors, was on vacation in Arizona, or that they had separated. Concerned after being unable to contact her, neighbors reported her missing in August 2010. When police interviewed Richard, he claimed not to have seen his wife since March 13 but had not filed a missing person report. Investigators also discovered that Marcia's credit cards, bank accounts, and cell phone had not been used. The day after the initial police interview, Richard disappeared along with Marcia's silver 2001 Volkswagen Beetle.
A few days later, authorities found Richard Forsberg in a Palm Springs hospital after he attempted suicide. He then confessed to killing his wife on February 9, 2010, during an argument. He stated that he bludgeoned her with a small statue, then dismembered and decapitated her body. Richard admitted to renting a motor home to transport her remains to the Lake Piru Recreation Area, where he burned them in a campfire. The couple's marriage had reportedly been strained due to Marcia's health issues and Richard's infidelities.
Richard Forsberg was charged with first-degree murder. During his trial, his defense argued for a lesser charge of manslaughter, claiming he acted in a fit of anger. In 2012, a jury convicted him of second-degree murder, and he was subsequently sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Despite his confession, Marcia Ann Forsberg's body has never been recovered.
Last Seen: Feb 01, 2010
